The 2019 IndyCar Series schedule will have 17 races and two new tracks, in Austin, Texas, and Monterey, Calif.
Scott Horner, scott.horner@indystar.com

Marcus Ericsson of Sweden and Sauber F1 walks in the Paddock after practice for the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 19, 2018 in Austin, United States.(Photo: Mark Thompson, Getty Images)

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced Tuesday the 28-year old will join the team for the 2019 IndyCar season and drive the No. 7 Honda.

Ericsson will join SPM following F1's season later this year. He's made 95 F1 starts, including a ninth-place finish in Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix. He has zero wins and podiums in the series. He won the Formula BMW UK series in 2007 and Japanese Formula Three in 2009.

"It's a great honor to be picked as one of the drivers at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports and IndyCar for the 2019 season,” Ericsson said in a news release. “It feels like a perfect step for me and my career after five years in F1. I can't wait to start work with SPM and all the people in the team which I've heard a lot of good things about. They've had some great success over the years, and I'm looking forward to work hard to continue and improve on that path. The racing in IndyCar looks great and I feel really excited to be part of it in the future. It will be a lot to learn including new tracks, oval racing, etc. I know it won't be easy, but it's a challenge I'm very much looking forward to and I can't wait to get started."

Ericsson will still serve as Alfa Romeo Sauber's reserve driver for F1, but his primary focus will be IndyCar. He'll join SPM James Hinchcliffe and Jack Harvey, who will be a part-time driver.

SPM's statement includes mention that the No. 6 Honda remains open for Robert Wickens when he wants to and is able to return.